HIGH POINT, N.C., Nov. 2, 2016 — Amid great fanfare, the High Point Convention & Visitors Bureau (HPCVB), in partnership with Business High Point, Inc., has announced the return of high level cycling competition to downtown High Point in 2017. Sims Hinds, a longtime leader in the field of sports and music events, has been named chairman of the High Point Cycling Classic, which is slated for September 8 and 9. The development is the result of two years of strategic planning by the HPCVB Sports and Events committees. High Point Cycling Classic also announced a new partnership with the Bobby Labonte Foundation to host the weekend’s events, including Labonte’s annual Tour de Reason charity bicycle ride.

“The High Point Cycling Classic races were hugely successful for several years and brought crowds back to downtown High Point, but until now, we didn’t have the right person to take over the pilot’s seat,” said Tim Mabe, CEO of the HPCVB. “Sims is the perfect person and serves in a leadership position on the Forward High Point board of directors. He has adopted High Point as his hometown, and has been instrumental on the HPCVB committee that provided the idea and the direction to develop a multi-purpose stadium in downtown. Professionally, he has worked on arena and stadium event projects across the country and understands how an event or project can become a catalyst.”

“I am excited about the opportunity to bring this great sports and entertainment event back to High Point,” says Hinds. “Working with the Labonte Foundation, along with the High Point Convention and Visitors Bureau and Business High Point Inc., we will reestablish what has always been one of High Point’s favorite events.”

More than 15,000 people from the High Point region and the Southeast attended the most recent Cycling Classic in 2014. The Cycling Classic was launched in 2010 as a community event that included music, food and other fun activities for local families and cycling enthusiasts. In 2013 and 2014, the High Point Cycling Classic included the USA Cycling Professional Criterium National Championships, a prestigious annual bike race held on a course of city streets. Organized and managed by Piedmont Charity Sports Promotions, a local nonprofit, the event generated more than $223,000 in funding for select local charities and agencies.

The 2017 return of the High Point Cycling Classic brings even more excitement and an opportunity to further impact community-based causes through its new presenting sponsor, the Bobby Labonte Foundation.

“I’m excited to think that a new group will work to bring back The High Point Cycling Classic,” said Randy Carda, former High Point Cycling Classic chairman. “Chip Duckett and I had a lot of fun producing it, and we’re pleased to think that someone else will pick up the ball. Sims will do a great job. We are especially excited to have both Bobby and Kristin taking such active roles in our community. It takes hundreds of volunteers to pull off an event like this, and we know that the High Point community will rally to support Sims as they supported us.”

Bobby and Kristin Labonte bring decades of experience in entrepreneurship, marketing and cycling. Bobby Labonte is the owner of Bobby Labonte Enterprises, which includes Breaking Limits, a full-service public relations and marketing agency, Longhorn Chassis and the Bobby Labonte Foundation. He’s also owned motorsports teams and built a track for children in North Carolina who are seeking a start in racing.

Kristin Labonte has 24 years of marketing and advertising experience. She currently serves as vice president of client services and marketing for Momentum Sports Group, the owners and operators of the UnitedHealthcare Pro Cycling Team.

“The High Point Cycling Classic closely aligns with the mission of the Bobby Labonte Foundation,” said Bobby Labonte. “We’re continually working in partnership with the community to empower families and build a strong foundation for success. We are thrilled to help bring this race back to the High Point community while promoting local business and tourism.”

The Bobby Labonte Foundation is a non-profit organization started by NASCAR champion Bobby Labonte with the goal of giving back to his local community. Since 2003, the Foundation has worked in partnership with families throughout High Point, N.C., and the surrounding Triad areas to build a strong foundation for their children’s future success. The organization envisions a cohesive community in which parents and families are empowered to fulfill children’s needs and to find joy, love and happiness. For more information, visit www.bobbylabontefoundation.org or follow Bobby Labonte Foundation on Facebook.